ASTORIA, NY – The NYPD Intelligence Division is investigating a series of bizarre late-night incidents where groups of individuals have been caught on video prying open manhole covers and disappearing into the city’s sewer system.
The Astoria Incident
Newly released surveillance footage shows a trio wearing hip waders and carrying flashlights near Astoria around 2:00 a.m. on May 5. A local witness, Aki Jakupovic, spotted the group opening a manhole cover.
“They went in there, closed the cover, like, you know, they were never here,” Jakupovic stated, adding that he immediately called 911. Two vehicles were seen idling nearby, seemingly acting as lookouts or providing extra light for the group.
Brooklyn Breaches Reported
The mystery deepened following two additional incidents reported within hours of each other in Brooklyn:
- Williamsburg: Around 1:00 a.m., a group unsealed a manhole near Heyward Street and Bedford Avenue, spending over two hours underground before fleeing in a vehicle.
- Gravesend: At 11:00 p.m. the same night, another group was seen dropping into a sewer line near McDonald Avenue and Colin Place, emerging nearly three hours later.
Police have not officially linked these cases together, and no arrests or injuries have been reported.
Potential Motives And High Danger
Senior law enforcement officials suggest the groups may be scavenging for valuables, a theory based on similar occurrences dating back to 2024. While New York City sits atop a sprawling 7,500-mile network of sewer lines, officials warn the activity is incredibly hazardous.
Retired NYPD Captain John Monaghan warned of severe underground risks, including active gas lines, high-voltage electrical wires, and the threat of electrocution or sudden asphyxiation.
No Public Threat Found
The city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) inspected the breached lines and confirmed that entering the sewers is illegal, but noted no structural damage was found.
On Monday, the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit assured residents that the underground system remains secure, stating there is currently no criminal or water-safety threat to the public. The investigation remains ongoing.
